Sometime back in March 2020 I started working from home. It was an adjustment on many levels. I found myself scrambling to rearrange my carefully curated living room to accommodate my workstation while trying to transition my wardrobe to something comfier. As time went on, I realized that I did not have much loungewear. My closet needed a tweak.

As my mental state declined due to the uncertainty of COVID, I realized that it was necessary to take better care of myself and what I was wearing daily. I am a firm believer that what you put on your body affects your mental state. When you look good you feel good. Period! As my office clothes moved further and further back in my closet, my old leggings and tee-shirts just would not cut it.

I suddenly remembered that my friend Danielle here in Geneva started offering loungewear in addition to the amazingly crafted handbags in her lifestyle brand Helmer which she created with her beautiful mother and equally as beautiful sister.

No better time for loungewear I thought to myself. Needless to say, I could not resist.

I saw myself in all the pieces and I certainly relate to the Helmer woman as described on their website,

“The Helmer Woman dreams and loves to travel, she’s a multi-tasker, practical and likes understated luxury. She is strong, and the perfect balance of elegance and timelessness mixed with modern and cool.”

The loungewear is timeless and comfortable, made of a super light linen with a beautiful ethnic print which comes in several delicate colors. I opted for the orange Kimono & Pants combo and the Robe & Slip Dress combo. Whenever I put them on, it feels like Bali in my living space (although I have yet to travel there). What I especially love is the versatility of the pieces. I definitely can see myself styling the robe or kimono with my favorite pair of jeans and my CELINE loafers. Helmer provides the ultimate investment pieces.

About the brand

The brand started organically from the mother daughters’ first trip to Bali where they fell in love with the island and its people.

Helmer is not only run by women, but it is also a black owned business with sustainability at its core which made it even more appealing to me.

Their pieces are sourced and handcrafted by local and family-run artisans. Helmer has made a commitment to promote and help their partners’ businesses to grow successfully, through providing skills, education and training thus giving back to those communities.

The brand has been featured in Elle, L'Officiel and Conde Nast Traveller.

Shevanne, Michelle and Danielle Helmer. Courtesy @helmerlifestyle — *Shevanne, Michelle and Danielle Helmer. Courtesy* @helmerlifestyle

Courtesy @helmerlifestyle — *Courtesy* @helmerlifestyle

WHAT I WORE

Kimono & Pants combo - HELMER

The Empress Ring - QUIETEST REVOLUTION RINGS

Carter Ring - DYLAN LEX

All other jewelry - Family keepsakes

FOLLOW THE BRAND

Shop Helmer - WWW.HEL-MER-COM

Instagram - @HELMERLIFESTYLE

Tell us about your work from home style during lockdown and what brands you have found that make you feel at home. Share in the comments!

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I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: SPAIN

April 5, 2021

1.5 MIN READ

Last summer a friend of mine asked if I wanted to join her on a road trip to her house in the Catalonia region of Spain. Being that we were in the middle of a pandemic I thought it was a great way not only to get away but also to travel safely. Aside from a few trips to Barcelona I had never been to that part of Spain.

We loaded the trunk and hit the road for a 7-hour drive to Coma-ruga, a seaside resort destination about 1-hour south of Barcelona.

Upon arrival I was taken by the beautiful stretch of beach.

I was able to take daily strolls in the August heat thanks to a handmade straw hat that I picked up while on a trip to the Canary Islands a few years ago. The foliage in Coma-Ruga is incredible. Stunning flowering trees against Spanish architecture with sparsely growing palm trees dotting the beach left me day dreaming.

When I wasn’t strolling the surrounding area, I would spend the morning on the sun-drenched beach. Following the long distressing lockdown, it was easy to find a spot in the sand beneath an umbrella where I could read my paperback and listen to my Tidal playlist.

We spent a day in the neighboring port city of Tarragona, with its towering cathedral and roman ruins. We complemented our visit with a gorgeous plate of lobster paella and a chilled glass of white wine.

When travel begins to pick up again and if you are looking for a hidden destination outside of the more popular Spanish cities, then consider this region.